Been to Barcelona? Bored of Berlin? Nick Boulos has some great alternatives.

Superbly located on the shores of the Adriatic, Croatia's picture-perfect walled city is a stunner with glorious Gothic architecture, backstreets crammed with cosy eateries, bars that cling to cliff-sides and history by the bucket load.

And if it all seems strangely familiar, that's because it probably is.

The city enjoyed a starring role as King's Landing in Game of Thrones and is now a hit with fans of the hugely popular fantasy drama.

Catch the cable car to the top of Mount Srdj and back at sea level, walk the 1.2-miles along the city walls to appreciate the scale between the bastions and watchtowers.

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May or September are good months to travel to Croatia. visitdubrovnik.hr

PORTO, PORTUGAL

Leave Lisbon to the crowds and head north instead, to Porto.

Portugal's charming second city is proving a hit with city-breakers and it's easy to see why.

A quick stroll along the banks of the Douro, displaying its colourful buildings with terracotta rooftops stacked high upon each other, is all you need to fall for its style and good looks.

The northeastern town Porto is bustling with busy backstreets (Image: getty)

From there, delve into the atmospheric backstreets, pausing to sample the city's favourite snack: a meaty sandwich known as francesinha, laden with sausage, ham and steak, and covered with gooey melted cheese washed down with a glass of the city's famous namesake tipple. Cheers!

Spend time in Avenida dos Aliados, the historic centre of Porto. visitportugal.com

TALLINN, ESTONIA

Put simply, the Estonian capital is a city to behold.

Best seen in autumn or during the biting months of winter - yes, it's cold but also magical beyond belief - it is a slice of medieval perfection with cobbled squares and old defence towers all set against the mighty Baltic Sea.

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The city's Main Square dates back to the Middle Ages and is dominated by the oldest town hall in Scandinavia.

Grab a spot at one of the plentiful outdoor cafés and simply soak up the surroundings.

Elsewhere, discover the best of Estonia's creative side at the Kadriorg Art Museum, housed in a Baroque palace that was once presented by Tsar Peter I to his wife.

Go to Kalamaja for a mix of old and new, trendy and old-fashioned. visittallinn.ee

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

Copenhagen is well-known for its Michellin-starred food (Image: getty)

Arguably Scandinavia's trendiest city, Copenhagen is well known for its Michelin-starred food, minimalist design stores and as the birthplace of 'hygge' (a lifestyle rich in comfort, contentment and cosiness).

But there's far more to this Danish delight than all the clichés.

Make the best of the balmy summer months and take to the water, with kayaking and windsurfing all possible.

Alternatively, indulge your inner child at Tivoli, the historic amusement park that opened in 1843, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon drinking strong beer at Nyhavn, the emblematic harbour famed for its bright wharf buildings.

Try the street food in a large warehouse on Paper Island. visitcopenhagen.com